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Pakistan to be put back on tourism map of world: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Sept 27 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani assured that terrorism was just a fleeting phenomenon and the government stands committed to bringing Pakistan back on the world tourism calculus as a great tourist destination as it once was. In a message on the World Tourism Day falling on Monday, he said “We are celebrating World Tourism Day at a time when the need for enhanced interaction and engagement among people and nations could not be greater.”He said the day reminds them of huge vistas of opportunities for increasing people-to-people contacts and engaging with one another for building bridges.
Tourism links people and helps build better understanding among nations and cultures. Sustainable tourism is also essential for the preservation and enhancement of the cultural and natural heritage of the country, he added.
The Premier said tourism is not only a source of income of people and countries. It is much more than just being an economic sector.
“We are lucky that our great country, Pakistan, possesses what it takes to be a great tourist attraction for the world community. We have rich culture and civilization that dates back to Indus Valley Civilization blended with rich Islamic heritage.”
He said the diversity of local languages, art and culture, regions, traditions, unique architecture coupled with a hard working and hospitable people presents a unique mix of tourism to the global tourism community.
“We possess all the four seasons and are blessed with exotic natural scenic locations as well as colorful and diverse cultures from Khyber to Karachi.”
Gilani mentioned that for last few years, the tourism industry has suffered on account of incidents of terrorism that resulted in the reduction of international tourists.
For all these reasons, his government has extended full support and attention to tourism. The country’s’ National Tourism Policy’ should be a broad mix of public-private partnership, he stated.
He said the theme on this year’s World Tourism Day “Tourism and Biodiversity” is very apt and reminds of the collective responsibility to protect nature and to promote the real image of Pakistan in the comity of nations.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk